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Cook Won't Take JPT Lightly

Chesterfield manager, Paul Cook, is keen not to let Saturday’s result affect his side’s preparations for tomorrow’s local derby against Mansfield Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

The Spireites were defeated 4-3 by a spirited Morecambe side after leading 3-0 at half time, and the manager started off by reflecting on that defeat.

He said: “I don’t think many people saw that coming. In the second half on Saturday, we definitely caved in. We’ll never hide away from the disappointment as a club. I can’t speak highly enough of the players, staff and supporters but when we lose like we did, it hurts us all.

“It takes a lot of time to get over defeats like that because no matter what you say or do, we can’t put it right. We haven’t done much but we’ve talked a lot. Our players haven’t been punished or anything but we are preparing the same way as we usually do.

“You’ve got to pay great credit to Morecambe. As a group, we suffered at the weekend but at the end of the day, we are top of the league. I think the fans have got to remember that we won’t get it right every time. Everything gets criticised when you lose and that’s just football.

Looking ahead to the game against Mansfield Town, the 46-year-old revealed he will not be taking the fixture lightly.

He added: “As a local derby, you don’t go into it playing a weakened team. We will be full strength tomorrow night and we are going to try and win the game. We go to Mansfield knowing that we let our supporters down on Saturday and our players know that.

“Mansfield left here last weekend victorious and it has an effect on us. When you get beat like we did on Saturday, I just can’t wait for the next game."

The Spireites are currently nursing a few injury worries and the gaffer insists the knocks aren’t going to hamper his preparations.

“Marc [Richards] is a couple of weeks away and Armand [Gnanduillet] goes for a scan this afternoon,” commented Cook. “Ritchie Humphreys is going to see a specialist later today and we’re nursing a few injuries, but that’s football.”

Dean Saunders Post-Hartlepool United
Spireites manager Dean Saunders speaks to PlayerHD after seeing his side gain a narrow 1-0 win at Hartlepool United in their final pre-season match before the new season.